A virtual private network, or VPN, is the go-to tool for millions around the world who use its privacy and security features to safeguard their data and their devices from snooping bad actors and cybercriminals. By hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, the best VPNs anonymize you on the internet and make it impossible for hackers, ISPs, and government authorities to track your online activities.
Getting a free VPN is often the first thought of those new to VPNs who would like to get to know the service and ascertain whether or not they need a VPN for their iPhone in the first place. While a free service is great for trial purposes—and some of the best ones come with unlimited data, tens of servers, and even unblocking capabilities—they are still miles behind their premium counterparts.
Additionally, the chances of a free VPN logging and selling your data or infesting your device with malware are a lot higher than if you just got the cheapest VPN on the market. However, there are some reliable free VPN providers as well that you can install on your iPhone right now and enjoy basic protection along with plenty of extra useful features. Read on to find out what they are, what purposes they serve, and if a free VPN is going to cut it for you.
Best VPNs for iOS in 2024 - paid for services
Even the best free VPNs are limited in their offerings—because they want to entice you with upgrades so that you ultimately switch to a paid plan for more benefits. Considering this, and given that you would actually need one of the best VPNs for iPhone if you are serious about protecting your device and your digital privacy, it makes so much more sense to sign up for a premium service from day one.
The best part is that you can get a paid-for VPN service for free by using its money-back guarantee. These are usually around 30 days, meaning you will have ample time to try out the service without putting any money on the line. Plus, ‘premium’ VPNs are premium in their offerings and not necessarily their pricing—you can get one of the best cheap VPNs for less than $3 a month!
On that note, here are my top three iOS VPN recommendations:
Recent updates
After our most recent round of VPN testing, NordVPN overtook ExpressVPN to claim the top spot. I've updated the article to reflect this shift.
The best free VPNs for iPhone in 2024
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The best free iPhone VPN overall
✔️ You need a reliable free streaming VPN: PrivadoVPN is one of only a handful of free services that actually unblock the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime.
✔️ You want a full toolkit: PrivadoVPN doesn't lock its security-boosting tools behind paywalls - unlike some of its peers.
✔️ Speed is everything: I was impressed by the speed of PrivadoVPN's free service, which clocked in at 350 Mbps.
❌ You need genuinely unlimited data: PrivadoVPN's performance sees a massive drop as soon as you go over 10GB a month. After that, you're on a sluggish 'emergency server.'
❌ You want fantastic mobile apps: although PrivadoVPN's iOS and Android apps are stable and work well, they're not as polished as Proton VPN.
🔒 PrivadoVPN Free knocks it out of the park with its unblocking capabilities, and everything else from server locations to day-to-day privacy is top-notch as well.
Check out our in-depth PrivadoVPN Free review for a closer look at the service, and see why it's our top free iPhone VPN pick for 2024.
In our full PrivadoVPN review, we mention how despite being a relatively new entrant in the VPN industry (launched in 2019), PrivadoVPN has continually improved and added to its services to become a well-known provider—and its free version is right at the heart of its popularity with an impressive feature-set and security benefits.
PrivadoVPN Free is not only the number one free VPN for iPhones but also the best free VPN overall, displacing the previous #1 Proton VPN, as it is one of the only services that can reliably unblock the entire suite of streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer—others like Windscribe and Atlas VPN Free can bypass some but not all of them.
▶ Try PrivadoVPN: the best free VPN
Plus, Privado’s server list is significantly better than Proton VPN—you get access to 13 cities in 10 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and France. Proton VPN, on the other hand, only offers 3 servers in 3 different countries.
Like Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN Free, too, gives you the full security package, ranging from a tried-and-tested kill switch and no-logs policy to AES-256 encryption and protocols like OpenSource and WireGuard. What’s more, it also comes with split tunneling, so you can route some apps through the VPN while using regular internet connection on the others.
Where PrivadoVPN isn’t as lovely as Proton VPN is data allowance. While Proton VPN Free gives you unlimited data, PrivadoVPN (like most free VPNs) limits you to just 10GB of data per month. However, the silver lining with PrivadoVPN is that you won’t have to shut shop after you’ve used up your allotted 10GB for the month—you can continue browsing and enjoy VPN protection, although only at a sluggish speed of 1Mbps.
Next, while all Proton VPN services are independently audited, PrivadoVPN’s servers and privacy policy are yet to undergo an independent audit. Although the service is extremely reliable, we’d like to see the company back up its claims with proof.
PrivadoVPN iOS apps are pretty basic but easy to use, so those new to VPNs and looking for a plug-and-play solution will swear by it. However, if you need a premium iPhone VPN app for free, we’d point you towards Proton VPN.
Overall, PrivadoVPN does almost everything right when it comes to offering a completely free VPN—it’s fast, secure, comes with tons of servers, and is the best choice if you want a Netflix VPN for free. So, while it is a clear winner for most users, if you want unlimited data and proven security, consider Proton VPN Free instead.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | No-nonsense design that lacks a few bells and whistles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive app with simple implementation means it's perfect for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Faster than most free iPhone VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks an astounding amount of content for a free VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust security on paper, but no independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support staff are friendly, but the site could do with more content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best for digital privacy
✔️ You need a free VPN with unlimited data: Proton VPN is one of the only free providers to not put a cap on data usage.
✔️ You want an extremely safe VPN: all Proton VPN apps are open-source, so anyone in the world can check them for vulnerabilities. They're also independently audited.
✔️ You want a free Linux VPN: Proton VPN not only offers free installation on Linux but also comes with a full graphical user interface (GUI).
❌ You want lots of server options: Proton VPN only gives users access to servers in three countries on its free plan.
❌ You want to stream content: unlike PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN's free plan doesn't come with unblocking capabilities.
🔒 Proton VPN Free is a highly popular Swiss provider known to offer class-leading privacy and security. It blows others out of the water with unlimited data, but lack of streaming support keeps it from the top spot.
Check out our in-depth Proton VPN Free review for a closer look at one of the most popular free VPNs in the industry.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market right now and the same Swiss-backed privacy and reliability is what you get with its free plan as well. For starters, it offers open-source apps on all platforms whether that’s iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.
Plus, all its apps have been independently audited by third-party experts—and security essentials like rock-solid encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logging policy, too, are all available on all its free apps, including the iPhone VPN app, and they work as expected.
In our review of Proton VPN Free, we mention how its biggest advantage over PrivadoVPN Free and the rest of the competition is that it doesn’t come with any data limits.
So, while PrivadoVPN limits you to just 10GB of data per month, Proton VPN allows you to use its always-on VPN feature for what it’s actually built i.e. connect once and enjoy 24/7 protection—you don’t have to keep tabs on your VPN usage so as not to exhaust it. Moreover, the service is anything but sluggish, with lightning-fast speeds of 380Mbps.
▶ Sign up to Proton VPN Free Now
The iPhone VPN app is easy to use and comes with a funky yet sleek-looking dark mode that gives it a futuristic look. Plus, as you’d expect from a high-ranking provider, the app has zero ads and the overall experience is simply fantastic, which is why it has managed to garner a 4.4 rating on the App Store.
A unique Proton VPN Free offering is that it has partnered with Deutsche Welle, a German news broadcaster, to allow unrestricted (and free, of course) access to its independent and unbiased news coverage.
A major reason Proton VPN didn't quite manage to grab the top spot here is its server limitations—just 3 servers (US, Netherlands, Japan) compared to Privado's 13 and Windscribe’s 14. Then there’s the lack of streaming support, an area where PrivadoVPN reigns supreme but even providers like Windscribe and Atlas VPN are slowly catching up.
So, needless to say, we would like to see Proton VPN Free join the party as well. Moreover, it doesn’t offer P2P support either, meaning you will have to look elsewhere if you want a VPN for torrenting.
All in all, if you’re looking for a free VPN for 24/7 protection, excellent usability, and class-leading security, there simply isn’t a service better than Proton VPN Free.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Dark and edgy with plenty of flair | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not the simplest design, but still fairly intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A super-fast service, but with a small risk of congestion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated Deutsche Welle servers but few locations to choose from otherwise | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Open-source, audited, and reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of on-site support and excellent agents | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Free iPhone VPN with most servers
✔️ You want unlimited simultaneous connections: Windscribe is the only provider here that allows you to install its VPN app on any number of devices you want.
✔️ You want tons of server locations: 14 server locations in 11 countries is hands down the best range we've seen in a free iPhone VPN.
✔️ You want to stream UK content: unlike Proton VPN, Windscribe can reliably unblock UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
❌ You need plenty of data: just 10GB of data isn't going to carry you through the whole month. If you want unlimited data, opt for Proton VPN.
❌ You need lightning-fast speeds: Windscribe tops out at around 240Mbps, which although decent, doesn't compare to PrivadoVPN or Proton VPN.
🔒 Windscribe offers the highest number of server locations for any free iPhone VPN, as well as UK Netflix and iPlayer unblocking, so it does a good enough job at standing out from the rest.
Check out our in-depth Windscribe Free VPN review for a closer look at this popular free service.
Windscribe is a popular VPN service from Canada with a decent paid version. However, the party piece is its free plan that comes with good privacy, excellent unblocking, and useful extra features.
When drafting our full Winscribe Free review, we were seriously impressed by its staggering 14 server locations in 11 countries—an excellent showing that’s better than every other provider on our list. The only other service that comes close to challenging Windscribe Free’s list of servers is Proton VPN with 13 locations in 10 countries.
▶ Check out Windscribe for free
Although Windscribe’s streaming support isn’t as comprehensive as PrivadoVPN, most users will be happy that it can unblock UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer. You will be able to stream your favorite British movies and TV shows on your iPhone, even when you’re on the go, thanks to consistent speeds of around 240Mbps.
However, a major drawback of the service, and also why it is not higher up on our list, is its data cap—just 10GB of data per month and nothing after that. If you’re looking for a free VPN to use extensively day in and day out, you’d be much better off with Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield which come with unlimited data. Even PrivadoVPN Free, which offers 10GB data at full speed and then unlimited data at 1Mbps speed, is a better pick.
Windscribe’s iOS apps could do with a bit of polish. That said, while they look and feel basic, they don’t cut back on functionality a lot—yes, you won’t see server locations by availability, but there’s a search option, so it’s overall decent but far behind the more roomy and clutter-free apps of PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN.
To conclude, Windscribe is a simple and effective free VPN that has more than just a few things going for it, including unlimited simultaneous connections, top-notch privacy, and an expansive list of servers. Unfortunately, though, a strict data cap limits its functionality to a great extent, so that’s something you will have to live with—or you can look at our top 2 options instead.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and intuitive, albeit a little cluttered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Pretty easy to use for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Lags behind the competition, but still hardly slow | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Impressive access to UK Netflix and iPlayer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Open-source and reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Email tickets are quickly resolved, but no live chat makes it somewhat inconvenient | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Free iPhone VPN with unlimited data
✔️ You need an unlimited free VPN: Hotspot Shield Basic doesn't impose any data caps, making it ideal for anyone who needs more than 10GB.
✔️ You want speedy connections: unlike PrivadoVPN, Hotspot Shield providers fast connection speeds through and through, no matter your usage.
❌ You want more than one server location: you get access t just one US server with Hotspot Shield's free plan. For plenty of locations, PrivadoVPN or Windscribe are better picks.
❌ You need reliable security: unlike most free services, Hotspot Shield Basic doesn't come with a kill switch, plus it logs a lot of user data.
🔒 Hotspot Shield Basic offers a decent service with unlimited data as the one major highlight. Apart from that, the rest of the VPN suite doesn't come close to the others.
Check out our in-depth Hotspot Shield Basic VPN review for a closer look at the free version of this popular premium VPN.
Hotspot Shield Basic might not be as comprehensive as the three providers above but it is still free and offers a few but very likable features. This is also true for the paid Hotspot Shield package, which is decent but lags behind the competition.
As we concluded in our full Hotspot Shield VPN review, its biggest advantage is that it comes with unlimited data—so, you can scroll TikTok, watch high-definition YouTube videos, and/or send large files on your iPhone without worrying about exhausting your data.
▶ Try Hotspot Shield Basic for yourself
This puts it right beside Proton VPN Free and above the rest of the competition which all offer limited data. Additionally, with a decent speed of 230Mbps, buffering won’t be much of an issue either.
However, that’s all there is to Hotspot Shield Basic, unfortunately. This is because it offers only a single US server and logs a surprising amount of user data as compared to its rivals—and contrary to what you would expect from a privacy tool. Logged data includes bandwidth used, your OS, the time you connect, and more.
In addition to the absence of an indispensable kill switch, the iOS apps show pesky video ads on connecting, and while the Mac VPN apps don’t, they instead insist that you open the Hotspot Shield website every time you connect/disconnect the VPN. What’s more, there’s also no live chat or email support, meaning the Hotspot Shield website and your browsing skills are all you have should you run into an issue.
Overall, Hotspot Shield Basic pulls back a few punches when it comes to security, user experience, and features, but it makes a strong case for itself by offering unlimited data. However, it’s difficult to recommend it over Proton VPN Free, though, which also offers unlimited data but is head and shoulders above Hotspot Shield in everything else.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps that are easy to use but contain ads | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds, but nothing spectacular considering Hotspot Shield's claims | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Mediocre unblocking capabilities | ⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Lacking a kill switch is a serious problem | ⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | No live chat or email support is disappointing | ⭐⭐ |
How to pick a free VPN for iPhone
Figuring out which VPN is right for you is a subjective process that hinges on one key question: what are you going to use your VPN for? Folks after a reliable streaming VPN will have different priorities than those looking for a torrenting-friendly provider, after all, but there are a few universal criteria to keep in mind.
These include:
Security: not all free VPNs are created equal and some low-ranking and unscrupulous providers can log your data and sell it to third parties for a profit. This is why it is crucial to only pick providers with a clear-cut no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, and strong encryption—and it’s good to have extras such as split tunneling and port forwarding as well.
Number of servers: look for a VPN that offers a generous amount of servers in several countries on its free plan. In particular, prioritize those that have servers in regions of your choice, as free VPNs are often limited in this regard.
Speed: while you certainly cannot expect a free VPN to compete with the fastest VPNs, connections should be both consistent and speedy enough for most activities whether that’s everyday browsing or streaming in HD.
Bandwidth: one of the major considerations when shopping for a free VPN is the amount of data you get. If you want unlimited data, providers such as Proton VPN Free and Hotspot Shield Basic will be ideal choices.
Unblocking capabilities: very few free VPN services can reliably unblock streaming sites. If you want to watch foreign movies and TV shows for free, you’d be better off with PrivadoVPN, Windscribe, and Atlas VPN, in that order.
How we test free iPhone VPNs
We follow our comprehensive VPN testing methodology to cut through the myriad of options on the market and zero in on only the best free iPhone VPNs. Our testing starts at the provider's website where we look for clues to gauge how reliable the service is. This includes looking for and thoroughly reading the VPN's privacy policy, any claims it makes, and its support options.
Then we install the provider's free VPN apps on various platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux) and put them through intensive real-world testing where we check the working of essential security features such as kill switch and leak protection—as well as any other feature on offer, such as split tunneling and/or auto-connect.
User experience is a big one for us, so we check the apps for any ads, clutter, and design shortfalls. Then we try to connect/disconnect to every single server location on offer by the free VPN to evaluate if the service lives up to its claims.
Next, we test the VPN’s speeds at least 120 times by using a US home connection and a 1Gbps UK data center. Lastly, to check the truthfulness of free VPNs that claim to unblock streaming sites, we try to access geo-blocked content from big-name streaming sites including Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
FAQs
Can a free VPN for iPhone be trusted?
There's always a risk when it comes to free VPNs. Most services are free versions of premium products that lock their best features (like security tools, unlimited bandwidth, and unblocking power) behind paid plans. Then, you have free services that are little more than scams, logging your data to sell to unscrupulous third parties.
At TechRadar, we're always testing VPNs – free or otherwise – to make sure that they're living up to their privacy claims.
Is there a totally free VPN for iPhone?
PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, Windscribe, Hotspot Shield, and Atlas VPN are some of the most trustworthy providers that offer completely free VPN apps for iPhone. You can use their free plan for as long as you want. They do not cost a single penny—and they don't ask for your credit card details, either.
What is the safest VPN for iPhone?
NordVPN is the most secure VPN overall and right now the safest VPN you can install on your iPhone. In addition to security essentials like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and support for secure VPN protocols, Nord also comes with Double VPN (that routes your connection through two separate VPN servers) and Onion over VPN (so you can access the Tor network without having to download the Tor browser).
Additionally, all of its VPN apps, including the iOS app, come with built-in ad-blocking, malware protection, a password manager, as well as a data breach scanner for an added layer of security. Other safe iPhone VPNs include ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA).
Do iPhones have a built in VPN?
No, the iPhone doesn't have a built-in VPN. It does come with VPN settings, however, that help you configure a VPN that you build yourself (which is pretty tricky) or download via a third party (like all of my top picks).
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
